Why Question Type Diversity Matters
Most video interview platforms offer one question type: video response. But different competencies require different assessment methods. A software engineer’s coding ability cannot be assessed through a video monologue. A designer’s portfolio is not demonstrated by answering multiple-choice questions. The most effective interviews use a mix of question types tailored to the role.
The 6 Essential Question Types
1. Video Response
Best for: Communication skills, cultural fit, motivation, customer-facing roles
The classic async interview format. Candidates record themselves answering questions on camera. This reveals presentation skills, enthusiasm, communication clarity, and how candidates think on their feet. Set time limits (1 to 3 minutes) to keep responses focused.
Example question: “Tell us about a time you had to explain a complex concept to a non-technical stakeholder. How did you approach it?”
2. Audio Response
Best for: Phone-based roles, candidates uncomfortable on camera, accessibility
Audio-only responses are ideal for roles where voice communication matters more than visual presence: call centre agents, customer support, inside sales. They also improve accessibility for candidates who may have valid reasons for preferring audio over video.
Example question: “Walk us through how you would handle a customer complaint about a delayed order.”
3. Text Response
Best for: Written communication, analytical thinking, detail-oriented roles
Text responses assess writing quality, structured thinking, and attention to detail. Essential for content roles, copywriting, analyst positions, and any role where written communication is a core competency.
Example question: “Describe your approach to prioritising competing deadlines. Provide a specific example.”
4. Multiple Choice
Best for: Knowledge assessment, role-specific expertise, pre-qualification
MCQs efficiently test domain knowledge, compliance awareness, or technical fundamentals. Use them as a pre-qualification gate before more time-intensive video questions. They also provide objective, comparable data points across candidates.
Example question: “Under GDPR, what is the maximum time allowed to respond to a Subject Access Request? (a) 7 days (b) 14 days (c) 30 days (d) 90 days”
5. Code Challenges
Best for: Software engineers, data analysts, technical roles
Integrated code challenges let candidates write and run code directly within the interview platform. This eliminates the need for separate coding assessment tools (saving €200 to 500/month) and provides a seamless candidate experience. Support for multiple programming languages is essential.
Example challenge: “Write a function that takes an array of integers and returns the two numbers that add up to a target sum.”
6. File Upload
Best for: Designers, writers, marketers, project managers
File uploads let candidates submit portfolios, writing samples, case studies, presentations, or any work product relevant to the role. This is particularly valuable for creative and strategic roles where past work is the best predictor of future performance.
Example prompt: “Upload a case study or project brief from a recent campaign you led. Be prepared to discuss it in your video response.”
Designing a Multi-Type Interview
A well-designed async interview uses 4 to 6 questions across multiple types. Example for a product manager role:
- MCQ: Product sense question (knowledge gate)
- Video: Describe a product you improved and the impact
- Text: Write a 200-word product brief for a given scenario
- File upload: Upload a PRD or spec from a past project
- Video: How would you prioritise these 5 features? (list provided)
StormInterview: All 6 Types, Every Plan
StormInterview is one of the only platforms that offers all 6 question types in every plan at €79/month. No feature gating, no enterprise-only types.